Your Beautiful Imperfect Life

Wabi-Sabi: The Art of Imperfection

By Staff, Utne Reader

| September/October 2001

YOUR BEAUTIFUL IMPERFECT LIFE

WABI-SABI: THE ART OF IMPERFECTION| By Robyn Griggs Lawrence, Natural Home
Discover the Japanese way of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in earthiness. Embracing this centuries-old concept could transform the way you live your life.WABI-WHUH?| By By Jon Spayde
If you think we’re talking green horseradish, read on.LIVING WABI-SABI| By Marcia Tyson Kolb, dragonflycottage.com
One woman explains how she’s come to relish life’s lopsidedness.

(print only)EXQUISITE DECAY| By Leonard Koren
Everything—and everybody—slowly turns to dust.
Here’s what’s beautiful about that.TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?| By Karen Olson
Beware these wabi-sabi pitfalls.

Features

AYAHUASCA: SACRED TEA FROM THE AMAZON | By Jeremiah Creedon
An expert on traditional plant medicines explores whether ayahuasca can cure alcoholism. Some say it might even heal the planet.

SEEKING PEACE IN THE WAR ON DRUGS | By Ethan A. Nadelmann, Lapis
The drug reform movement gains ground across America.

HONORING OUR HUNGER FOR THE ECSTATIC | By Fred R.
Thoughts on addiction, recovery and the zig-zagging path toward wholeness.
GOT (TIME FOR) FRIENDS? | By Andy Steiner
Sure, grown-up life is busy, but are you making time for what’s really important?
Why finding—and keeping—friends may be even more essential than you realize.
ONLY RECONNECT | By Jon Spayde
Tips for rekindling long-lost relationships. It’s easier than you think.

THE 19 KINDS OF FRIENDS | By Jeremiah Creedon
The best friend, the scary friend, the friend with benefits . . . we’ve all had ‘em. Here’s how to pick one out in a crowd.

JUST FRIENDS | By Pagan Kennedy, Ms.
How one woman makes a home with a friend rather than a lover.

(print only) IN SEARCH OF MIRACLES | By Ann Hood
Everybody’s looking for a miracle. The trouble is, you may get exactly what you asked for.

New Planet

THE LATE, GREAT OUTDOORS By Keith Goetzman
Artificial environments may make wilderness sports accessible
to everyone, but at what cost?

HOPE FOR BANGLADESH By Craig Cox
A homegrown movement rewrites the rules of Third World development.

HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE YOUR INSURANCE MAY COVER By Andy Steiner
Interested in alternative health care but can’t foot the bill? Osteopathy may be for you.

DISPATCHES: THE REVOLUTION WILL BE PHOTOCOPIED By Chris Dodge
Our report from the third-annual Underground Publishing Conference.

LAND OF THE FREE . . . PARKINGBy Alan Durning, Elm Street Writers Group
Want to solve the energy crisis? The answer may be as simple as parking meters.